Best USB External SSD of 2025

Mike Davis Avatar
Mike Davis
Last Updated: Jan 5, 2025

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USB External SSDs are compact and portable storage devices that offer lightning fast transfer speeds and high storage capacity. With USB 3.0 and USB-C connectivity options, these SSDs are perfect for users who require quick and easy access to their files on the go. Their solid-state design makes them more durable than traditional hard drives, and they are available in a range of sizes to suit any storage needs. Whether it's for work or personal use, USB External SSDs provide a reliable and convenient storage solution for anyone who values speed and portability.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

SAMSUNG Portable SSD T7 1TB: Fast, Durable, and Secure Cover #TOP 1
SAMSUNG Portable SSD T7 1TB: Fast, Durable, and Secure
ftb score rating icon 9.9
SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD Cover #TOP 2
SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD
ftb score rating icon 9.8
SAMSUNG T9 2TB Portable SSD Cover #TOP 3
SAMSUNG T9 2TB Portable SSD
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 USB External SSD

SAMSUNG Portable SSD T7 1TB: Fast, Durable, and Secure

MU-PC1T0T
Titan Gray
SAMSUNG Portable SSD T7 1TB: Fast, Durable, and Secure Cover
SAMSUNG T7 Portable SSD, 1TB External Solid State Drive, Speeds Up to 1,050MB/s, USB 3.2 Gen 2, Reliable Storage for Gaming, Students, Professionals, MU-PC1T0T/AM, Gray

The Samsung Portable SSD T7 1TB is a reliable and speedy external solid state drive that offers easy and secure data storage. Its USB 3.2 Gen 2 technology and PCIe NVMe technology provide read/write speeds of up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s, making file transfers a breeze. The T7 is shock-resistant and can withstand drops from up to 6 feet and its aluminum unibody construction ensures durability. Additionally, its advanced thermal solution ensures optimal temperature control even at fast speeds. The T7 is compatible with various devices and comes with software to help set up a password, get firmware updates, and download the mobile app for Android devices, making it a great option for students, professionals, and gamers.

What We Like
Light and compact design
Fast read/write speeds
Strong and secure construction
#TOP 2

SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD

SDSSDE61-1T00-G25
Black
SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD Cover
SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD - Up to 1050MB/s, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2, IP65 Water and Dust Resistance, Updated Firmware - External Solid State Drive - SDSSDE61-1T00-G25

The SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD is a high-capacity drive that delivers NVMe solid state performance featuring up to 1050MB/s read and up to 1000MB/s write speeds. It is designed to endure tough conditions with up to 2-meter drop protection and IP55 water and dust resistance. The Carabiner loop makes it easy to attach to your belt or backpack, and it comes with password protection and 256-bit AES hardware encryption to keep your content secure. The device is compatible with a range of USB Type-C smartphones, making it easy to back up mobile content.

What We Like
Fast NVMe solid state performance
Durable and resistant to drops, water, and dust
Handy Carabiner loop for easy attachment
#TOP 3

SAMSUNG T9 2TB Portable SSD

MU-PK2T0G/WW
Gray
SAMSUNG T9 2TB Portable SSD Cover
SAMSUNG T9 2TB, Portable SSD, up to 2000MB/s, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20Gbps) NVMe, Rugged, for Photographers, Content Creators and Gaming, External Solid State Drive (MU-PK2T0G/WW) Gray

The SAMSUNG T9 SSD is designed to enhance your creative workflow with impressive speeds of up to 2,000MB/s. You can quickly load, edit, and transfer files, making it ideal for photographers and content creators. Its advanced thermal guard technology ensures that the drive remains cool during intensive tasks, preventing overheating. Additionally, the T9 offers broad compatibility, allowing you to connect it to desktops, cameras, or gaming consoles effortlessly. With its durable build, it’s built to withstand frequent use across multiple devices, ensuring reliability for all your storage needs.

What We Like
High-speed performance
Effective heat management
Wide compatibility
Durable design

SAMSUNG T7 Shield 1TB Portable SSD

MU-PE1T0S/AM
Black
SAMSUNG T7 Shield 1TB Portable SSD Cover
SAMSUNG T7 Shield 1TB, up to 1050MB/s, USB 3.2 Gen2, Rugged, IP65 Rated, for Photographers, Content Creators and Gaming, Portable External Solid State Drive (MU-PE1T0S/AM, 2022), Black

The Samsung T7 Shield Portable SSD is a durable and high-performance external solid-state drive designed for photographers, content creators, and gamers. With an IP65 rating for water and dust resistance, it can endure even the toughest terrains. It features USB 3.2 Gen 2 and PCIe NVMe technology for fast transfer speeds of up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s, allowing you to edit directly from the drive. The rugged design and advanced outer elastomer add extra durability to withstand a 9.8-foot drop, and it is compatible with PC, Mac, Android devices, gaming consoles, and more. The T7 Shield comes with USB Type C-to-C and Type C-to-A cables for added convenience.

What We Like
Durable and rugged design with IP65 rating for water and dust resistance
Fast transfer speeds of up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s with USB 3.2 Gen 2 and PCIe NVMe technology
Compatible with various devices including PC, Mac, Android devices, gaming consoles, and Samsung Smart TVs
Comes with USB Type C-to-C and Type C-to-A cables for added convenience
Stylish rubberized grip prevents slips for secure handling
#TOP 5

SanDisk 2TB Portable SSD

SDSSDE30-2T00-G26
Black
SanDisk 2TB Portable SSD Cover
SanDisk 2TB Portable SSD - Up to 800MB/s, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2, Updated Firmware - External Solid State Drive - SDSSDE30-2T00-G26

The SanDisk Portable SSD is a high-performance external solid-state drive that offers fast read speeds of up to 800MB/s. With its compact and portable design, it is perfect for users who are always on the go and need a storage solution that seamlessly fits into their mobile lifestyle. In addition, this durable drive can withstand drops of up to two meters, making it ideal for adventurous users. The tough rubber hook allows for easy attachment to a belt loop or backpack, providing extra peace of mind. With SanDisk, a trusted brand among professional photographers, you can rely on this portable SSD to handle your storage needs.

What We Like
Fast performance
Durable and rugged
Portable and compact
#TOP 6

SanDisk 4TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD

SDSSDE81-4T00-G25
Black
SanDisk 4TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD Cover
SanDisk 4TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD - Up to 2000MB/s - USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, IP65 Water and Dust Resistance, Updated Firmware - External Solid State Drive - SDSSDE81-4T00-G25

The SanDisk Extreme PRO SSD is a powerful and reliable external solid state drive that offers lightning-fast NVMe performance. With read/write speeds of up to 2000MB/s, this SSD allows you to save time when storing and transferring data. Its forged aluminum chassis not only provides durability but also acts as a heatsink, ensuring higher sustained speeds. This portable drive is designed for adventure, with up to two-meter drop protection and IP55 water and dust resistance. The included carabiner loop allows for easy and secure attachment. With a 5-year limited warranty and password protection featuring 256-bit AES hardware encryption, you can trust that your data is safe and secure.

What We Like
High-speed performance
Durable and rugged design
Extra protection against drops, water, and dust
#TOP 7

BUFFALO External SSD 1TB - Portable and fast storage solution

SSD-PUT1.0U3B
Black
1 TB
BUFFALO External SSD 1TB - Portable and fast storage solution Cover
BUFFALO External SSD 1TB - Up to 600MB/s - USB-C - USB-A - USB 3.2 Gen 2 (Compatible with PS4 / PS5 / Windows/Mac) - External Solid State Drive Stick - ‎‎SSD-PUT1.0U3B

The BUFFALO External SSD 1TB is a must-have accessory for professionals or gamers who require fast, secure, and portable storage. With a blazing fast speed of up to 600MB/s, you can perform large intensive tasks simultaneously. It's compatible with PS4/PS5, Macs, and PCs, allowing you to store your game data and other files in one place. Its compact, durable, and reliable design ensures that your data is protected, while its stick and retractable form factor allows you to carry it with you wherever you go. The BUFFALO External SSD 1TB also comes with a three-year warranty for registered devices (two years if unregistered).

What We Like
Fast transfer speed of up to 600MB/s
Compact and portable design
Shock-resistant and rugged, providing drop protection
Compatible with PS4/PS5, Macs, and PCs
Three-year warranty for registered devices

Crucial X9 1TB Portable SSD

CT1000X9SSD902
Black
Crucial X9 1TB Portable SSD Cover
Crucial X9 1TB Portable SSD - Reads up to 1050MB/s - Lightweight and Small Storage for backups, Videos and Photos with Mylio Photo Management Offer - PC and Mac - USB 3.2 - External Solid State Drive

The Crucial X9 SSD offers impressive speed with read rates reaching up to 1050MB/s, making it ideal for transferring large files or editing 4K videos efficiently. With a generous 1TB of storage, you can easily keep your PS5 games, high-resolution photos, and important documents all in one place. This portable drive is compatible with various devices, including Xbox and Mac, and comes with a USB-C cable for quick connections. Additionally, its compact and durable design ensures it can withstand drops and resist water and dust, providing peace of mind for users on the go.

What We Like
High-speed file transfers
1TB ample storage
Broad device compatibility
Durable and portable

SSK 1TB Portable External NVME SSD

SSK
SD500
Grey
SSK 1TB Portable External NVME SSD Cover
SSK Portable SSD 1TB External Solid State Drives, up to 1050MB/s USB C SSD External Hard Drive USB 3.2 Gen2 for iPhone 15/Pro, Windows, Mac, Android Phones and Tablets

The SSK 1TB Portable External NVME SSD is a high-performance solid state drive with up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speed. It features a portable design made of 2mm thick aluminum alloy material, with excellent shock-proof, anti-vibration, waterproof, and dustproof functions to protect your data. It is compatible with Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, and includes USB C to A cable and USB C to C cable, making it suitable for use with USB C smartphones, PS5, Xbox, laptops, and MacBook.

What We Like
High-performance with up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speed
Portable design made of durable materials
Compatible with various devices and includes two types of cables
Excellent shock-proof, anti-vibration, waterproof, and dustproof functions
#TOP 10

WD Elements SE Portable SSD - 1TB

WD
WDBAYN0010BBK-WESN
Black
WD Elements SE Portable SSD - 1TB Cover
Western Digital 1TB Elements SE - Portable SSD, USB 3.0, Compatible with PC, Mac - WDBAYN0010BBK-WESN

Maximize your productivity with the WD Elements SE Portable SSD - 1TB. With read speeds up to 400MB/s, you can transfer large files quickly and easily, allowing you to get more done in less time. Its compact design and drop resistance up to 2 meters make it the perfect drive for anyone on the go, while its plug-and-play functionality makes it easy to use right out of the box. Whether you're on a laptop, desktop, or other device, the WD Elements SE Portable SSD is the perfect choice for your next-level productivity needs.

What We Like
Fast read speeds up to 400MB/s
Compact design and drop resistance up to 2 meters
Plug-and-play functionality for easy use
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can you plug an SSD into a USB port?

Yes, easily. All you need is an external hard drive enclose like this. Now this is for a standard 2.5″ SSD, if you have one of the smaller SSD's with a microSATA connector it gets more complicated. The speed is going to be limited to the speed of your USB connection.

2. Can SSD be connected externally?

But did you know SSDs can also be used as external storage? External storage is an easy and portable way to store all your files. Connected on the outside of your device, an external storage drive allows you to back up and move all your files from one computer to another.

3. Is there a USB SSD?

USB 3.1 Gen 2 is the latest version widely available in consumer external SSDs at this writing. PCIe external SSDs can take advantage of the extra 5Gbps of bandwidth, but you need to have a USB port that supports the spec to see the extra speed benefit.

4. What is SSD USB port?

Both are used to store files in solid-state flash RAM and can plug into a computer using a USB port. The main difference between them is their shape and size. SSDs are generally shaped like hard drives because they're usually used to replace internal hard drives, making it easy for them to fit into the computer bay.

Editor's Notes

During our usb external ssd research, we found 24 usb external ssd products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 1,867,458 customer reviews through our big data system to write the usb external ssd list. We found that most customers choose usb external ssd with an average price of $77.51.

The usb external ssd are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of usb external ssd, including SAMSUNG, SanDisk, BUFFALO, Crucial, SSK. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Mike Davis Avatar

Mike Davis is a professionally trained electrician with six years of working experience in the electronics industry. He has written an array of web and mobile-based articles for e-magazines and blogs. He loves trying out some novel and popular gadgets and his expertise is in the areas of electronics and computers which is built over many years of working and personal experiences.